Nadal: ‘I don’t really care that much about the records’

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal secured a historic ninth French Open title and a remarkable fourteen Grand Slam titles overall. While the numbers are certainly impressive, the Spaniard is adamant that he is not motivated to break Federer’s male singles world record 17 Grand Slam titles.

“Federer has 17 and I have [won] 14 Grand Slams,” said Nadal. “[Breaking the record], it’s not a source of motivation for me. I’ll follow my own path. Then when my career is over, we’ll count. I don’t really care that much about the records. I’ll still play with a lot of intensity. I’ll still be motivated.

Nadal is now level with Pete Sampras at No. 2 in the Grand Slam title-leaders list on 14 major championships.

“To me, winning is the result, the equivalent of lots of effort. Therefore, I feel more serene and personally I’m very satisfied.”

Rafa produced a remarkable contest in front of the Parisian crowd, as he overwhelmed Djokovic for three out of the four sets played to lift his fifth consecutive title at Roland Garros. Novak won the opening set, and was in a strong position to win the second set, but Nadal stormed back into the match and never looked back.

“It was very important for me to win that second set,” said Nadal. “Without that second set, I don’t know if I would have this trophy with me now.”

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